Is Commanders DL so deep that trading ‘24 2nd-rounder Johnny Newton would be a win?
TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 12: Jer'Zhan Newton #95 of the Washington Commanders looks on from the sideline during the national anthem prior to an NFL football wild card playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on January 12, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesEditor's note: Each day, Hogs Haven compiles a collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East, the NFL and sports in general, with a sprinkling of other stuff. Enjoy!
Commanders linksArticlesBullock's Film Room (subscription)
State of the Roster 2026 Update: Commanders OffenseRunning Back
On the roster: Jacory Croskey-Merrit, Rachaad White, Jeremy McNichols, Jerome Ford, Kaytron Allen, Robert Henry Jr.
Level of need entering offseason: Medium/High
Need now: Low/Medium
Analysis: The Commanders only had one running back under contract entering the offseason, but I wasn't overly concerned as they had easy paths to retaining the likes of Chris Rodriguez and Jeremy McNichols. On top of that, it was a strong free agent class and as Washington proved last year, productive running backs can be found throughout the draft. The team ended up letting Rodriguez walk in free agency despite being an undrafted free agent, which felt like an odd decision. They drafted a similar style of back in Kaytron Allen to replace him. They did retain McNichols but also added Rachaad White as an upgraded version of McNichols.
I don't think this is a standout room as things stand, but I also think it can be a very functional room with the potential to develop into a good one. We saw Croskey-Merritt's talents last year and if he takes a step forward with a bigger workload, then the Commanders will be in a good spot. I think there's some obvious roles here. Croskey-Merritt can be the lead back with explosive running ability while rookie Kaytron Allen can be a back up to him that can spell him and take the short yardage situations, similar to Chris Rodriguez last year. White will likely be primarily a third down back that can be trusted in pass protection and also be a solid weapon as a pass catcher out of the backfield.
They also added Jerome Ford in free agency and signed Robert Henry Jr. as an undrafted free agent too. So while they don't have an elite lead back like a Christian McCaffrey or Saquon Barkley, they do have a pretty well-rounded group of backs that can cover a lot of different roles that they'll need. They could probably upgrade on most of these pieces but I don't think any of them are bad and it should still be a very productive group. I'm setting the need at low/medium for that reason, because I think he's a solid group that will be fine, but without a standout option, they could still upgrade.
Pro Football Focus
15 trade candidates heading into 2026 NFL training campsS Jeremy Chinn, Las Vegas Raiders
Chinn enjoyed a resurgent season with the Raiders, but his future with the team might be in doubt.
The former second-round pick played to a 67.7 overall PFF grade in his first campaign in Las Vegas, his best since 2021. Chinn's 69.5 PFF run-defense grade placed in the 67th percentile at the position, and he missed a modest 9.9% of his tackle attempts.
The Raiders made a splash when they selected versatile Arizona defensive back Treydan Stukes with the 38th overall pick. While Stukes may play all over the secondary, he figures to be more of a traditional safety considering the team also acquired slot corner Taron Johnson. As a result, organizations could call about Chinn with just one year left on his contract.
Dl Jer'Zhan Newton, WashingtonCommanders
The Commanders relentlessly fortified their ailing defense this offseason, including along the defensive line. However, that negatively affects someone like Newton.
The 36th overall pick in 2024 hasn't blossomed as Washington would've hoped, notching a career 50.0 overall PFF grade with a 38.6 PFF run-defense grade. Yet what has been encouraging is Newton's pass-rushing, as his 9.3% pass-rush win rate placed in the 63rd percentile last year.
The Commanders inked former Texans interior defender Tim Settle to a three-year, $25.5 million contract during free agency, which only pushes Newton down the depth chart. The 23-year-old former Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year could garner attention for teams looking to bet on his upside.
Riggo's Rag
7 Commanders players whose starting spots are in danger before OTAs even beginQuan Martin - Commanders S
The Commanders were expected to make big changes to the safety position this offseason. Performance levels weren't anywhere near the level anticipated during the 2025 campaign, and it was one of the few units that managed to stay relatively injury-free.
Will Harris was the only one who missed considerable time. That was enough for the entire group to capitulate, and there was no more disappointing player in a season to forget than Quan Martin.
Experts and fans were projecting a breakout campaign from Martin. To say that didn't materialize would be an understatement, but the Commanders are not willing to throw in the towel just yet.
Nick Cross was signed in free agency, who'll walk straight into a starting role. Martin could get the other spot, but that is no guarantee. Harris, Jeremy Reaves, Percy Butler, and Tyler Owens will also fancy their chances, so the margin for error is gone.
ESPN
2026 NFL offseason: AFC teams' best and worst dealsBest: Jaguars replacing Travis Etienne Jr. with Chris Rodriguez Jr. This has been a quiet offseason for the Jaguars, who were aggressive in rebuilding the roster last year after the arrival of coach Liam Coen and GM James Gladstone. Rodriguez and fellow back Ameer Abdullah are their only veteran free agent additions this offseason
Rodriguez...signed for two years and $10 million. Etienne will trigger $28 million in guarantees over the next two years, and Rodriguez is guaranteed only $6.2 million in that span.
[I]n a situational role over the past three years, Rodriguez has topped Etienne in explosive play rate (12.3%). He has been more successful near the goal line, scoring on 37% of his attempts to Etienne's 29%. Rodriguez offers nothing as a receiver, having caught only six passes over the past three years, but he's a more physical runner than Etienne. Given that he'll be playing on early downs before Allen comes onto the field on third down, Rodriguez is a much more logical fit for this offense at a fraction of the cost.
A to Z Sports
2 things the NFL totally got wrong with the Commanders' 2026 schedule: What did Washington do to deserve this?For starters, the Commanders play three of their first four games on the road, according to the official 2026 schedule. Yes, the London game against the Indianapolis Colts is considered a home game", but we all know that's a farce. The Commanders will travel the furthest air miles of the season to play at home".
And their one true home game is against the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.
Enough said for the first month of the season.
PhotosCommanders.com
PHOTOS | Kaytron Allen is a Washington CommanderView LinkView LinkView LinkView LinkPodcasts & videosTress Way Stops By, Joshua Josephs & Sonny Styles Breakdown, Minicamp Stars | Command Center | NFL
On video with a Commanders Mailbag (Part I; doing one on Jayden Daniels for Monday). Lots to discuss, from trade possibilities to top CBs available and more. @ESPNRichmondhttps://t.co/hflBIO4PbA via @YouTube
- John Keim (@john_keim) May 22, 2026
NFC East linksEpisode 1,331 - Guest: @NickiJhabvala.
- Al Galdi (@AlGaldi) May 22, 2026
- what truly matters at OTAs
- what Nicki is looking forward to hearing from Jayden Daniels
- analysis of the kicker battle
- significance of Dave Gardi's departure
- to what extent is Dan Quinn is on the hot seat?https://t.co/41YLEDlmD0
Blogging the Boys
George Pickens' inconsistent tenure in Pittsburgh continues to haunt himJones told Yahoo Sports, [W]e got him for no other reason than because there was a long-term question."
Unfortunately, it seems as if Pickens' time with the Pittsburgh Steelers continues to haunt him. Due to disciplinary issues, on-field incidents, and team frustrations Pickens' inconsistent tenure in Pittsburgh ultimately led him being traded to the Cowboys. And while he distanced himself for the most part from those red flags" in Dallas last year, it's a persona he can't seem to shake altogether.
Teams around the league, as well as the Cowboys according to Jerry Jones, will be closely monitoring Pickens throughout the 2026 season, both on and off the field. Every little thing he does and doesn't do will be heavily scrutinized. Because of that, it's in his best interest to be at his best if he wants to earn a long-term extension at season's end.
Big Blue View
Giants continue to hope Nabers will be ready to start the season, but that sounds increasingly uncertainI know he's fighting like crazy to do his best to be out there," Harbaugh said. My experience with guys is the first time they have a serious injury it's tough because it's new for him. It's a tough process."
Valentine's ViewNabers was injured in Week 4 of the 2025 season. It seems each time we talk to Harbaugh or GM Joe Schoen Nabers' availability to start the 2026 season becomes less certain.
Big Blue View
NY Giants QB Jaxson Dart knows he needs to make mature decisions'There was a massive - and at times out-sized - outcry from fans and the media over Dart's (occasionally) devil may care attitude toward potential injury. Making sure Dart understands that there's a time and place for self-sacrifice has been a priority for the new coaching staff.
That was, like, one of our first meetings with (passing game coordinator/quarterbacks) Coach (Brian) Callahan," Dart said. Just pulling up my tape and just going over situationally, like, is it worth the risk here in this situation. And that's what we talk about a ton is situationally just being smart."
Dart added that it's been an on-going point of emphasis in meetings throughout the off-season, even up to Thursday's OTA.
Coach G-Ro (senior offensive assistant Greg Roman) talked about it today," he said. It's important for the quarterback to make sure how he's feeling one play that he's going to feel that same way the next play. And at the same time, just having the experience last year of sitting out two games, I hadn't done that in my career. So, I just hated that time of not being out there with my teammates.
So obviously I understand the most important thing is to be out there. So, you just grow and learn from things. And I think I'm going to do a good job at it this year for sure."
The Giants' offense is still a mystery, and how the disparate philosophies of Matt Nagy, Greg Roman, and Brian Callahan combine is one of the more fascinating storylines of the off-season. We won't get to see the full picture of the offense until the regular season rolls around.
Head coach John Harbaugh said at the Giants' Town Hall that the team wants to be able to live in both worlds", or be able to run or pass the ball at will on early downs. They want to be unpredictable and dictate to defenses on early downs.
Dart said on Thursday that it's cool" to see the amalgamation of styles take shape.
ESPN
Giants DL Roy Robertson-Harris tears AchillesNew York Giants defensive lineman Roy Robertson-Harris tore his Achilles at Thursday's OTA workout and is expected to miss the 2026 season, a source told ESPN.
It's a blow to the interior of the Giants' defensive line, which was already being rebuilt after trading Dexter Lawrence II to the Cincinnati Bengals last month. Robertson-Harris, who was likely to start, was taking first-team reps at Thursday's practice before reaching for the back of his right leg early at the indoor workout.
Robertson-Harris was on the second and final season of a two-year deal worth $9.25 million. He started 17 games for New York last season and had 35 tackles (three for a loss) and six quarterback hits.
Discussion topicsThe #Giants and GM Joe Schoen have agreed to terms on a multi-year extension to keep him working with John Harbaugh for years to come, per me and @MikeGarafolo.
- Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 21, 2026
After a successful offseason, including the work during the NFL Draft, Schoen is rewarded with a new deal. pic.twitter.com/wslaVuXVKy
Riggo's Rag
Giants expert tries to make sense of Joe Schoen extension as Commanders fans laughThe Giants probably knew how this development would be received by fans.
Matt Sidney of G-Men HQ acknowledged that Schoen's new deal didn't make much sense at first glance. But when the expert looked a little more closely, it spoke to the desire for continuity now that a prolific head coach is leading the charge.
To say Giants fans will be furious about this extension would be the biggest understatement of the year. From the handling of [Saquon] Barkley's exit to the disastrous $160 million [Daniel] Jones contract, [Joe] Schoen's popularity in East Rutherford has nosedived to an all-time low.
Schoen wasn't extended to appease the fan base (quite the opposite), and it clearly wasn't a reward for the last four years. He was extended because ownership just watched what happened when a team removed the lame-duck cloud and fully committed to a coach-quarterback-front office pairing."
LMFAOOOOOOOOOOOO https://t.co/rfJjqQ34bx
- Billy Tinkle (@BillyTinkle) May 22, 2026
Clutching at straws, perhaps. But it does have merit.
Sidney mentioned Ryan Poles' torrid record over his first three seasons with the Chicago Bears as an example. The tide immediately turned when Ben Johnson became head coach, and their ambitions are much loftier now. This is an example the Giants are following. And they are hoping it brings similar success.
Great news for the rest of the NFC East! https://t.co/wVh1KeEtvJ
- Steve Czaban (@czabe) May 22, 2026
The Commanders are focused on getting their own house in order, but fans aren't exactly quaking in their shoes about Schoen now being around the Giants long term.
aBit o'TwitterGot a bunch of dawgs
- Washington Commanders (@Commanders) May 21, 2026
The new schedule sends David Blough immediately into the deep end.
- Ben Standig (@BenStandig) May 21, 2026
For more with @LoganPaulsenNFL https://t.co/VHYKJMB8tKpic.twitter.com/Sj8pS7Xr1i
For all the WR2 talk, Bill's performance might end up being the difference between the Commanders' offense being fine and oh, snap. https://t.co/aSHXkhKZqz
- Ben Standig (@BenStandig) May 21, 2026
Commanders need a big season from Terry McLaurin #NFL#Football#Commanderspic.twitter.com/XnSeNdkwM6
- The Team 980 (@team980) May 21, 2026
Daron PayDay" Payne working OT this year with his personal trainer!
- On The Fence Podcast (@theotfpodcast) May 21, 2026
He even has on some throwback gear #Redskins #RaiseHail
(: IG coachswift_winningedge) pic.twitter.com/mbliZOHT8O
Makes no sense...
- Mark Tyler (Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) May 21, 2026
-Arguably a top 5-7 OL
-Young, dynamic Move TE
-Best blocking TE in the NFL
-Top 12 WR
-Youth, athleticism and versatility in the WR room
-Young, explosive RB who went for 805 and 8 in just 7 gms started
-Versatile 3rd down RB
-Paired with best QB in division https://t.co/deATrBTtoc
We haven't had a TE like him here since pre-concussion Jordan Reed https://t.co/gllVCqSHLN
- Mark Tyler (Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) May 21, 2026
#Commanders added an young & rising pass catching athlete TE in Chig Okonkwo this offseason. Expect Chig to be a major part of Washington's offense.
- brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) May 21, 2026
In two seasons, Jayden Daniels targeted his primary TE Zach Ertz 125 times. Ertz had 89 receptions for 11 TDs. #RaiseHailpic.twitter.com/3lnJdRqS7C
Sometimes I forget just how far I've come and all that I've overcame. Almost a decade in this league man. God has been so good to me
- Jeremy Reaves (@JR1ERA) May 21, 2026
Cool event with Terry McLaurin, Ryan Zimmerman & Walt Williams as the DMV stars team up with @BankofAmerica's #GolfWithUs program to teach kids golf tips & life lessons@JPFinlayNBCS reports from College Park@YouthonCourse@TheTerry_25@Commanders#RaiseHail#Natitude#Terpspic.twitter.com/GLeYisLE49
- NBC4 Sports (@NBC4Sports) May 21, 2026
ESPN sources: reigning NFL MVP Matthew Stafford and the Rams reached agreement today on a one-year, $55 million extension worth up to $60 million with incentives. Stafford now has two years and up to $105 million remaining on his deal with the Rams. pic.twitter.com/3lMmJMhk7R
- Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 21, 2026
A lot has changed in 12 years pic.twitter.com/dROkvJ2fp0
- NFL (@NFL) May 21, 2026
With your season on the line, who are you going with?
- Good Morning Football (@gmfb) May 21, 2026
Pretty cool back story here.
- Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) May 21, 2026
Sweta is a die-hard Lions fan and one of the most vocal online. When Jack Campbell decided to sign his extension, he and the team thought it would be unique to let the fans know first. So, with Jack's approval, the @Lions had Sweta "break" the news. https://t.co/NiN1VsHsej
The #Lions and Pro Bowl LB Jack Campbell agreed to terms on a 4-year, $81M contract extension, sources say. He gets $20.25M per year with $51.5M guaranteed.
- Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 21, 2026
Campbell is one of the highest paid off-the-ball LB in the NFL in a deal done by agent Chase Callahan of @excelfootball. pic.twitter.com/VDRQmcPp4R
Deshaun Watson holds no ill will?
- Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) May 21, 2026
after the Browns gave him $230M fully guaranteed in 2022 he was suspended 11 games for sexual assault on dozens of women, strained his rotator cuff, fractured his shoulder & tore his Achilles twice
I'd say he's fortunate to get another QB1 shot https://t.co/PAWOciHbkG
This is a HUGE win that will literally pay dividends for our union's current and future members https://t.co/YytnBBQM2z
- NFLPA (@NFLPA) May 21, 2026
Jerry Jones shared his thoughts international games..
- Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 21, 2026
"The wear and tear is a lot less than a night out on the town" #PMSLivepic.twitter.com/4CQVMmzKjL
this is from 2024
- Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) May 21, 2026
doesn't matter that the Cowboys went 7-10 or have absolutely zero playoff success in an entire generation
their revenue domination in the NFL is astounding pic.twitter.com/4TVYfke3Mx
Global games, global records pic.twitter.com/QucGm3GXV1
- NFL (@NFL) May 21, 2026
completion % on end zone throws:
- Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) May 21, 2026
58% - Mac Jones
57% - Tua Tagovailoa
55% - Daniel Jones
50% - Joe Burrow, Kirk Cousins
48% - Jordan Love, Matthew Stafford, Josh Allen
46% - Brock Purdy
45% - Jalen Hurts
44% - Kyler Murray
43% - Drake Maye
41% - Jared Goff
40% - Lamar Jackson,...
opponent made FG % in 2025:
- Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) May 21, 2026
97% - Kansas City Chiefs
95% - Denver Broncos
94% - Dallas Cowboys
93% - Detroit Lions
92% - New Orleans Saints
92% - Cincinnati Bengals
92% - Buffalo Bills
91% - Las Vegas Raiders
90% - Arizona Cardinals
89% - Tennessee Titans
89% - Los Angeles...
This guy has big Kirk Cousins energy. https://t.co/JnnrEwngJN
- Eat Sleep Hail (@EatSleepHail) May 20, 2026
Congrats to the Ekeler's on their baby boy!!!!
- LJ (@MadHatter_LJ) May 21, 2026
IG: @melaniewilking pic.twitter.com/ndkSYcyRFr
NEWS: Kyle Busch, one of the purest racing talents NASCAR has ever seen and winner of more national series races than any driver in history, has died after falling severely ill, NASCAR announced Thursday.
- The Athletic (@TheAthletic) May 21, 2026
Busch washospitalized this weekand never recovered. He was 41.... pic.twitter.com/tSJR4PUxnC
Rest in peace, Kyle Busch.
- All-Pro Reels (@allproreels) May 22, 2026
The two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion (2015, 2019) passed away on May 21, 2026, at the age of 41. Known as Rowdy," Busch built one of the most decorated careers in the sport with a record 234 national series victories and 63 Cup wins, many of them... pic.twitter.com/YnKYnlzRCA
Our hearts are broken for Samantha, Brexton, Lennix, and the entire Busch family. Kyle was an incredible competitor, teammate, husband, father, and son whose impact on NASCAR will never be forgotten.
- Joe Gibbs (@CoachJoeGibbs) May 21, 2026
The Gibbs family and everyone at JGR are lifting the Busch family in prayer.
This interview took place this past Friday night. Unfathomable news today. RIP. pic.twitter.com/AslIBDFfr7
- Grant Paulsen (@GrantPaulsen) May 21, 2026